FAYETTE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 416 W EDWARDS STREET
VANDALIA, IL 62471 - Ownership Type
- Government
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 9, 2002
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CMS Quality Ratings
Composite score combining quality measures and patient survey results.
Based on the CMS Hospice Care Index — 10 operational quality indicators including visits near death, nursing minutes, and care transitions.
CAHPS Hospice Survey — family caregivers rate communication, symptom management, respect, and overall experience.
Quality of Care derived from CMS Hospice Care Index. Patient Satisfaction from the CMS CAHPS Hospice Survey. Overall is the equally-weighted average of both. All source data published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Staffing & Capacity
| Role | Staff Count |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses (RN) | 5 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 2 |
10
Total Employees
Staffing data as reported to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Inpatient Care and Medical Equipment
Hospices report these services to Medicare when they are certified. This is what FAYETTE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOSPICE reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Arranged through another hospital or nursing home
- Type of inpatient care
- Both general inpatient care and respite care
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Brought in through an outside supplier
Short stays in a hospice inpatient unit, hospital, or nursing home for pain or symptoms that cannot be managed where the patient lives, or to give family caregivers a break.
Equipment and supplies tied to the terminal illness and the plan of care, such as a hospital bed, oxygen, wound supplies, or a wheelchair.
Medicare lets hospices provide these services through arrangements with other organizations. Either way, the hospice stays responsible for the covered care in the patient’s plan of care.
Reported by this hospice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it was certified in 2020.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how FAYETTE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
13.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 61st percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
3
patients in care on an average day
A rough measure of size. Smaller can mean more personal. Larger can mean more resources.
Medicare reports this hospice billed for routine home care only from January 2022 through December 2024. Hospices can also provide continuous home care, inpatient care, and respite care when symptoms are harder to manage. There can be good reasons for this. Ask the provider how they handle a crisis at home.
How this hospice compares nationally
Bars show national standing on measures from the CMS Hospice Care Index. A fuller bar means this hospice does better than more of the hospices CMS tracks.
- Nurse care minutes per home care day13.3 min
Ranks better than about 61% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The average minutes of nursing care per day for patients getting routine care at home, based on Medicare claims. More nurse time usually means more hands-on support.
- Skilled nursing on weekends1%
Ranks better than about 1% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of skilled nursing time delivered on Saturdays and Sundays. Symptoms do not wait for weekdays, so weekend coverage matters.
- Nurse visits in the last days of life90.2%
Ranks better than about 32% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who got nurse visits in their final days of life. This is when families tend to need the most support.
- Gaps in nursing visits27.8%
Ranks better than about 81% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
How often patients went more than a week without a nursing visit. Fewer gaps mean steadier attention.
- Days at higher levels of care (CHC or GIP)52nd percentile
What this measures
The share of care days delivered at higher levels, such as continuous home care or inpatient care. Shown only as a national rank because small percentages round to zero.
- Medicare spending per patient$5,409 · 1st percentile
What this measures
What Medicare paid per patient for this hospice's care. Higher or lower spending is not a quality judgment by itself.
Care steps completed at admissionShow detailsMedicare tracked 6 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 12% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening95%
- Breathing difficulty screening95%
- Treatment preferences discussed95%
- Beliefs and values discussed95%
- Visits in the last days of life12%
- All care steps completed80%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer55%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About Fayette County Health Department Hospice
Fayette County Health Department Hospice serves families in Vandalia, Illinois. This provider offers end-of-life care services to residents within Fayette County. They have been certified by Medicare since September 2002. This long history shows their commitment to local health needs. Choosing a local provider often means the staff knows the community well. That is a benefit during a difficult time. They focus on comfort and support for patients at home. Every family deserves clear information when making these decisions. You can call them directly at (618) 283-1044 to learn more about their specific care programs and availability.
Understanding This Provider
Fayette County Health Department Hospice operates as a government agency. This structure means they are held to public oversight standards. Medicare certification proves they meet federal rules for safety and care quality. Most families find comfort knowing their provider follows these strict guidelines. The agency maintains a team of 10 employees to assist patients. This includes five registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse. They also have one physician on staff to oversee medical needs. Two volunteers are part of their team as well. This staffing mix supports both medical care and emotional needs. It is helpful to ask how these staff members work together to support your loved one daily. They have served the area for over two decades now. This longevity speaks to their role in the local health system.
Quality Ratings Note
What Is Hospice Care Like in VANDALIA?
Hospice care in Vandalia focuses on comfort rather than a cure. It brings specialized medical support directly to where the patient lives. The team at Fayette County Health Department Hospice provides care through nurses and a physician. These professionals manage pain and other symptoms to keep the patient at ease. Nurses visit regularly to check on the patient and support the family caregivers. The presence of volunteers can also add extra comfort through companionship or light help around the house. This type of care is about managing the final phase of life with dignity. It allows families to spend more quality time together instead of worrying about hospital trips. The goal is to provide peace and manage the physical burdens of illness. Most people find that having this extra layer of support makes a large difference in their daily lives.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel empowered to ask tough questions before you pick a team. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens at night. Ask about the specific roles of the volunteers and how they interact with the family. You might also ask how the physician works with your current primary doctor. It is smart to ask about their experience with your loved one's specific diagnosis. Finally, ask what happens if your needs change and you require a higher level of support. Getting these answers upfront helps you feel more prepared and in control. Write your questions down ahead of time so you do not forget anything during the meeting. Remember that you are the expert on your family needs. The right agency will listen well and answer your concerns with patience and clear facts.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your family history is a gift that should be kept safe for future generations to enjoy.
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